21. The Group flew its first combat mission on May 8, 1944, a fighter sweep over Normandy. 22. During 1941 RAF Fighter Command went onto the offensive with its fighter sweeps over occupied Europe. 23. Defence soon gave way to offensive operations; fighter sweeps and intruder operations took place over France. 24. Kesselring responded by sending in fighter sweeps at even higher altitudes to gain the tactical advantage. 25. Waldmann had taken off at 11 : 43 on a free-fighter sweep mission against heavy bombers. 26. The unit flew its first combat mission on 8 May 1944, a fighter sweep over Normandy. 27. The 412th flew its first combat mission on 8 May 1944, a fighter sweep over Normandy. 28. An early morning fighter sweep and three strikes were launched against targets on and around Luzon. 29. The 410th flew its first combat mission on 8 May 1944, a fighter sweep over Normandy. 30. He reportedly flew several unofficial operations in a Spitfire, taking part in several fighter sweeps over Europe.
